Leg swelling

Localized leg swelling

In conditions that cause local swelling and typically affect only one limb, leg swelling occurs at a well-defined site and can spread both upwards and downwards from there:

• Sports injuries and accidents, which may include fractures, bruises, strains, sprains, ligament tears, or muscle tears. The moment and cause of injury are clearly identifiable. Swelling appears at the injury site and may partly be due to bleeding (the affected area may discolor within a few days).
• Inflammatory processes: arthritis, bursitis, dermatitis, etc. (in which case fever and chills indicate inflammation)
• Insect bites, especially in hypersensitivity reactions
• Swelling around burns or scalds
• Significant leg swelling can develop in deep vein thrombosis. A taut calf pain appears quickly, and the skin turns purplish. A dangerous complication is pulmonary embolism, signaled by shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Post-thrombotic syndrome, i.e., the remaining condition following deep vein thrombosis (occurring 2–3 months after thrombosis)

Swelling affecting one leg

Diseases that usually involve only one limb, where swelling typically begins at the foot or ankle and gradually extends upwards, indicating the severity.

• Secondary lymphedema (caused by lymphatic obstruction due to injury, surgery, or tumor).
• Venous valve insufficiency (commonly known as varicose veins). Fluid pooling in twisted veins seeps out into the surrounding tissue, causing swelling and a tight pain. The extent of swelling can vary between the two legs, often more pronounced on one side.
• Although not a disease, leg swelling can also occur during pregnancy. The growing fetus and uterus compress the pelvic veins and impede blood return from the legs.

Leg swelling affecting both legs

Conditions that generally affect both limbs, where swelling usually begins at the foot or ankle and progressively moves upwards, also indicating severity.

• Sudden onset kidney failure, characterized by general malaise and very little urine output
• Chronic kidney failure, whose symptoms include loss of appetite, poor general condition, and low or absent urine output.
• Heart failure: a common symptom is chest pain and shortness of breath, which worsens with minimal exertion. Not only the legs but also the abdomen may become edematous.
• Hormonal issues can lead to increased water retention and leg swelling. Hormone therapy, such as taking oral contraceptives, can have similar effects.
• Leg swelling may also occur as a side effect of medications, including antidepressants, steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antihypertensives.
• Primary lymphedema can usually affect both limbs and cause significant swelling.
• Prolonged sitting (e.g., on a long bus or flight), or even work performed in a seated or standing position, can trigger leg swelling.

Treatment of leg swelling

Treatment should be based on the underlying cause.

• Leg swelling due to varicose veins, prolonged sitting, or standing can be prevented with regular short leg exercises (2–3 minutes every hour). The Veinoplus varicose vein treatment stimulator or pneumatic compression devices are also excellent for prevention.
• If swelling is due to a fracture, the bone should be set and stabilized. Swelling will subside as it heals. Bone healing can be stimulated by pulsed ultrasound and magnetic field therapy.
• For injuries, the "RICE" method is recommended: Rest, Ice, Compression (bandaging), and Elevation. Healing can also be stimulated with ultrasound and low-level laser therapy.
• In case of insect bites, cooling and preventing an allergic reaction are important; otherwise, the swelling subsides quickly.
• For burns and scalds, immediate cooling of the area is crucial. Burn dressings are ideal for this. Leave wound care to a professional.
• If deep vein thrombosis is suspected, the patient must not stand or walk! They should be taken to the hospital immediately, preferably by ambulance. The condition requires intensive care.
• In the post-thrombotic state, the patient must adjust to the fact that the symptoms are permanent and require daily treatment. The Veinoplus DVT and regular pneumatic compression therapy help improve the condition. Without treatment, swelling will only worsen.
• For varicose veins during pregnancy, frequent changes of position and compression massage provide relief.
• Treatment of kidney and heart failure is a hospital task! Edema will decrease when kidney function improves or is restored, or when heart function improves and strengthens.
• In case of medication side effects, discontinuation or substitution of the suspected drugs is recommended – always consult your physician.
• In all forms of lymphedema, only symptomatic treatment is possible; the disease itself cannot be cured. A combination of bandaging or compression garments and manual or pneumatic lymphatic drainage gives good results.